After smoking for about 25 years. It was rough, and, to tell the truth, wasn't really ready to quit yet, but from my observations it seems like no one is really ready to quit until they're diagnosed with cancer, or heart disease, and by then it's too late for quitting to really help.
I wanted to avoid that...
So I quit. I used the patch, and on the 1st day I tried to smoke a cigarette while wearing it. Big mistake. About halfway through my heart started beating REALLY fast, and I got REALLY nauseous, so I put it out REALLY fast!
After that, when I really needed a hit I took one or 2 drags off of a butt in my ashtray, and that was all...
I used to buy my smokes in the hard packs (boxes), and I always kept them in my breast pocket, so I was in the habit of reaching in there whenever I wanted one. When I quit I replaced the cigarette pack in my pocket with a box of Altoids, and whenever I would reach in there for a smoke I'd find the box of Altoids, so I'd suck on a mint instead. They were good and strong, and they seemed to help dampen the craving.
After a while they made my teeth a bit grungey though, so if you decide to try them remember to brush frequently...
I also seemed to have picked up quite a persistent gum chewing habit since then, which is better than the smokes, I guess. The wife really hates it though, especially since the kids are always stealing my gum and leaving it in unwanted places...

. I've also gained around 10 pounds, though that's probably due more to not smoking away my breaktimes at work.
Now, I actually eat stuff while I'm there...
Good luck!
